In keeping with its iconic namesake, the eye-catching Toyota FJ Cruiser delivers solid off-road performance. If you want to stand out from the crowd and can live with a sub-par interior and on-road ride, it's a solid choice.

Upon its 2007 introduction, the Toyota FJ Cruiser quickly wowed critics with its out-of-this-world looks and impressive off-road performance. Still, the retro-styled SUV's low points are a cramped rear seat, poor visibility and sub-standard interior materials. If you're set on retro styling and want a more comfortable interior, consider the all-new

Ford Flex. "FJ pays a price for its exaggerated styling and off-road-biased engineering," says Consumer Guide. "On-road performance and daily practicality don't match those of less-radical rivals. It is solidly built, extremely capable off-road, and looks like no other SUV." For 2009, the FJ gains new safety features including roll-sensing side airbags, active head restraints and an optional rear backup camera.

The FJ Cruiser comes in one trim with a V6 engine and automatic transmission.  It's available in either two- or four-wheel drive.

Be sure to check for current Toyota deals that may be available on a new FJ Cruiser.

"This funky reflash of the old FJ Land Cruiser is a rugged and ready off-roader with look-at-me styling. It has two conventional doors and two rear-hinged mini doors. The cost of entry may be low, but the crude on-road dynamics of this five-seater will have you paying in other ways."-- Car and Driver
"It's stylish, fun, practical and affordable. Buy one if you want to stand out on the street or trail." -- Forbes
"What's more important, style or substance? The good news is that the FJ offers both." -- Motor Trend
"The Toyota FJ Cruiser represents renewed interest in off-road capable vehicles. As mainstream buyers move away from truck-based SUVs like the Ford Explorer into unibody crossovers more adept at tackling the challenges of suburbia, one could fear that the small legion of responsible off-roaders could be left behind.

Fortunately, the FJ Cruiser shows that the automakers aren't abandoning those who actually know what a transfer case can do -- even if our test model, which represents the volume model in Sunbelt markets, doesn't have a transfer case." -- Left Lane News

FJ-Cruiser Performance - 7.9 (Good)

The 2009 FJ Cruiser excels as a top-notch off-road machine. Though its on-road ride is impressive for a truck-based SUV, it still isn't nearly as smooth as its crossover competitors. "Like a Hummer, the FJ feels huge but with small windows," says Car and Driver. "It drives like a Tacoma, meaning getting there is less than half the fun." Another one of the FJ Cruiser's low points is disappointing fuel economy. continue

FJ-Cruiser Exterior - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2009 FJ Cruiser's striking, retro design not only stands out in its class, but looks distinctive from every other SUV on the market. "Toyota's FJ Cruiser will make a lot of heads swivel with its conspicuous mashing of cute cosmetics and urban grit," says the Los Angeles Times. One of the FJ's controversial exterior elements is its rear-opening "suicide doors."

FJ-Cruiser Interior - 7.4 (Good)
The five-seat FJ Cruiser's interior is one of its low points. Many find the back seat cramped and awkward to access, while others complain of cheap interior materials. "Interior decor is more functional than rich," says Consumer Guide. "It includes washable rubber-like flooring, water-resistant fabric trim, faux metal, body-color painted accents, and some low-budget plastic panels." Though the interior may be functional, reviewers have conflicting opinions on seating comfort.

FJ-Cruiser Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser receives high scores in federal government crash tests. However, poor visibility is a major detriment to the SUV's safety.

FJ-Cruiser Reliability - 7.0 (Good)
The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study

(IQS). Toyota offers a 36-month/36,000-mile basic warranty.

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